Flat Foot Reconstruction

What is a Flat Foot Reconstruction?

Before reading this page, please see Flat Foot in Adults under the FOOT menu for more information.

Flat foot surgery in adults is a multi-level procedure aiming to simultaneously correct calf tightness, bone alignment, joint stability and tendon function.

Not every foot needs the same combination of procedures. This is determined with you before surgery and depends on several factors.

Option available are:

calf vs Achilles lengthening
FDL tendon transfer
spring ligament repair vs sinus tarsi implant
calcaneal osteotomy vs hindfoot fusion
Cotton osteotomy vs midfoot fusion.

Endoscopic calf lengthening
Button
FDL transfer and spring ligament Internal Brace
Button
Subtalar hindfoot fusion and Cotton osteotomy
Button
Calcaneal osteotomy with lateral column lengthening
Button

Flat Foot Reconstruction Recovery

Surgery is done through several incisions. It is a major surgical procedure and always takes time to heal.

Surgery:

requires a one or two night hospital stay
requires a general anaesthetic in most people
takes 90 to 120 minutes.

First 2 weeks:

bandage
"moon-boot" 24 hrs a day
crutches, frame or knee-walker
no weight-bearing
rest, elevation and ice (RICE)
careful ankle and foot movements
post-operative appointment.

Next 4 to 6 weeks:

"moon-boot" 24 hrs a day
crutches, frame or knee-walker
no weight-bearing
swelling control
careful ankle and foot movements
post-operative appointment and X-ray.

Next 6 weeks:

"moon-boot" with insole to stand and walk
crutches or frame
increasing weight-bearing
physiotherapy-guided strengthening
post-operative appointment and X-ray.

Next 9 months:

comfortable shoes and orthotics
increasing activity
physiotherapy-guided strengthening.

Benefits and risks:

90% of people are helped by surgery
complete pain-relief is rare
orthotics are usually still needed
10% of people are not helped by surgery
1% of people are made worse by surgery.

Consequences and complications:

driving restriction (2 to 4 months)
numbness around scars is common
swelling takes a year to settle
further surgery can be required
see General Information about Surgery.

IMPORTANT

If you have any questions about your planned procedure, contact Dr Beamond before the day of surgery.

The information on this page is of a general nature and does not replace the informed consent process. Other consequences and risks specific (material) to the individual must be discussed prior to surgery.